Carry On Henry (1971)
 Or "Mind My Chopper". . .
This rip-roaring return to the glories of British history saw
the Carry On cast turn their attention to regal
charm and Tudor manners, this timely salute to that royal rogue
King Henry VIII couldn't possibly fail.
Anyone other than Sid James is inconceivable in the lead part,
and he rants, roars, womanises and drinks with a relish that
epitomises the film.
The fact that the contrasting elements of
likeable Sid and his dreadful deeds span so well is clear
testament to the comic energy of James.
Kenneth Williams, in deliciously supercilious mood, minces,
camps and moans around the castle, creating new and ever more
bizarre taxes and preening himself as the major pillar of
reliability.
Charles Hawtrey gives his only really outlandishly
camp star contribution to the film series - becoming the perfect
foppish dandy as he flits around Sid's castle, tasting his food,
tasting his wine and eventually tasting his new wife, Joan Sims,
who becomes pregnant while Sid is busy with other matters.
 Terry Scott forges a sort of Tudor Laurel and Hardy act with
Kenneth Williams, and gives a truly outstanding performance as the
inarticulate and confused Cardinal whose hands roam all over the
place, while Barbara Windsor cheerfully pops up as the refined
Queen Bettina who, unsurprisingly, catches the eye of the King.
Kenneth Connor grovels, creeps and grimaces as an anti-royalist.
The roles are stereotyped certainly, but the narrative they
occupy brings them credibility.
Full of prime performances and
groan-worthy gags, the film takes the form of a sparkling
Restoration comedy with a touch of Shakespearean grandeur.
"This film is based on a recently discovered manuscript by one
William Cobbler which reveals that Henry VIII did in fact have two
more wives. Although it was at first thought that Cromwell
originated the story, it is now known to be definitely all Cobbler’s
... from beginning to end."
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